CHARLOTTE,N.C.- Twenty children of Duke Energy employees have been selected to receive the 2003 Duke Energy scholarships.

Fifteen recipients will receive up to $5,000 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study at an accredited college or university in theUnited StatesorCanada. Five students were named alternates – receiving one-time $1,000 awards.

Recipients are chosen annually by an independent committee of judges. Their selections are based on academics, personal essay, references, community service and demonstrated financial need.

"For the last four decades, our scholarship program has benefited students from the families of employees and retirees,” said Jim Hendricks, vice president of corporate responsibility. “Over time, these students have taken their places in business, academic, religious, civic and other organizations, making our communities better places to live. We are confident that the students in this year's scholarship competition will maintain that tradition.”

Each year, graduating high school seniors who are children of employees, retirees or deceased employees of Duke Energy and its subsidiaries may apply for the scholarships. Duke Energy’s community relations department received more than 300 requests for applications for this year’s competition.

Duke Energy is a diversified multinational energy company with an integrated network of energy assets and expertise. The company manages a dynamic portfolio of natural gas and electric supply, delivery and trading businesses – meeting the energy needs of customers throughoutNorth Americaand in key markets around the world. Duke Energy, headquartered inCharlotte,N.C., is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: www.duke-energy.com.